Ameren moves to end contract with Missouri smelter

CAPE GIRARDEAU (AP) - Ameren Missouri has given state regulators notice that the utility plans to challenge a recent order allowing lower rates for its largest customer.

St. Louis-based Ameren filed notice Tuesday that it will challenge the Missouri Public Service Commission's April order allowing Noranda Aluminum to pay less for electricity. The commission also granted Ameren a rate increase.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Ameren argues the commission ignored the cost to serve Noranda.

Noranda also said Tuesday that Ameren plans to let its contract with the New Madrid aluminum smelter expire in 2020. But Ameren says its decision to end its contract with Noranda had nothing to do with the smelter's rate cut.